Non-pharmacologic management of epilepsy

Abstract

Non pharmacological treatment, in addition to pharmacological treatment is indicated in patients with refractory/pharmacoresistant epilepsy and includes ketogenic diet, deep brain stimulator, vagal nerve stimulator, transcranial magnetic stimulation and epilepsy surgery. Ketogenic diet has been recommended since 1921 and has been proved to be a safe and effective treatment for intractable epilepsy. Deep brain stimulator, has been used in the treatment of movement disorders for many years and recently been tried in the treatment of pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Vagus nerve stimulator is increasingly being used as an effective seizure aborting technique in patients not responding to anticonvulsants. Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a noninvasive brain stimulation technique which is being increasingly researched for use in patients with medication-refractory seizures who are not suitable candidates for surgery. Evolution of epilepsy surgery including Vagal nerve stimulator and Deep brain stimulator, as a successful treatment modality for intractable epilepsy has been influenced over the last decade by substantial advancement in imaging and operative/device related technology. The current article reviews the indications, mechanism of action, technological aspects and efficacy of the aforementioned modalities in the treatment of intractable/pharmacoresistant epilepsy in pediatric age group.